Ultrasound visualization device
AssigneeThe Regents of the University of California
InventorsPaul Zupkas, Roger Sur
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An assembly for facilitating ultrasonic visualization of positioning of a needle inserted into tissue includes a needle that is inserted into a sheath to define a transport channel between an outer surface of the needle and an inner surface of the sheath for transport of a fluid that is introduced into the sheath. The transport channel includes features that induce formation of ultrasonically visible features from the fluid. These features exit from the end of the sheath where they can be detected via ultrasonic imaging.
Claims34
An assembly for facilitating ultrasonic visualization of positioning of a needle inserted into tissue, the needle having a needle length, the assembly comprising:
- a sheath having a sheath length and configured for concentrically receiving the needle to form a substantially fluid tight fit between an outer surface of the needle and an inner surface of the sheath, the sheath having a sheath head disposed at a proximal end configured for introducing fluid into a transport channel defined between one or a combination of the outer surface of the needle and the inner surface of the sheath, wherein the transport channel comprises features configured for inducing formation of ultrasonically visible features at a distal end of the sheath;
- and
- a fluid source in fluid communication with the sheath head for introducing fluid under pressure.
An assembly for facilitating ultrasonic visualization of positioning of a needle inserted into tissue, the assembly comprising:
- a sheath comprising a hollow tubing having a sheath length and a sheath end, the sheath having a sheath head disposed at a proximal end configured for introducing fluid into the sheath;
- the needle concentrically disposed within the sheath to form a substantially fluid tight fit between an outer surface of the needle and an inner surface of the sheath, wherein a transport channel is formed between one or a combination of the outer surface of the needle and the inner surface of the sheath, wherein the transport channel comprises features configured for inducing formation of ultrasonically visible features at the sheath end;
- and
- a fluid source in fluid communication with the sheath head for introducing fluid under pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.